Pesaro

Pesaro is a charming town situated in the south of the Marche region and also the Italian Capital of Culture for 2024. From its port, you can travel to Croatia in the summer and, perhaps stop here for a few days first.

On Ferryhopper, you'll find useful information about Pesaro's must-see sights, beaches, local delicacies, and ferries to Croatia. 

Learn all about the port of Pesaro and read our tips for a perfect trip:

• Pesaro ferry port
• Vacation in Pesaro

Pesaro's Pupilla, the city's most famous fountain

Pesaro ferry port

The port of Pesaro is an important tourist and commercial port of call on the Adriatic coast. 

Located near the city center, it has 2 parallel docks for both ferries and recreational boats. From the port of Pesaro, connections operate to some of Croatia's smaller islands, but only in summer.

Due to its location, there are several services near the port area, such as bars, restaurants, shops, banks, parking lots, and rentals.

Ferries from Pesaro port: schedules and tickets

From Pesaro, you can take a ferry during the summer and reach Croatia in a short time. Thanks to Gomo Viaggi's fast ferries, you can reach 2 popular Croatian destinations: the island of Lošinj and the town of Novalja (on Pag island). The routes from Pesaro to Croatia are active from July to September and include 1-3 connections per week.

As for prices, Pesaro - Croatia tickets start from €75, with free entry for children up to 2 years old and a 50% discount for those up to 12 years old. Keep in mind that you cannot board motor vehicles on ferries, but you can travel with small pets by paying an extra fee.

Here is some additional information about the routes from Pesaro:

• Ferry Pesaro - Lošinj: the ferry route from Pesaro to Lošinj usually operates 3 days a week (Monday, Thursday and Saturday) with crossings of about 3.5 hours.
• Ferry Pesaro - Novalja: the Pesaro - Novalja crossing is active 1 day a week (usually on Saturday) with crossings of 5.5 hours.

Tip: visit our dedicated blog to learn more about Italy - Croatia ferries in 2023!

Where is the ferry port in Pesaro?

The port of Pesaro is located south of the city center. On one side, it is bordered by the promenade, while on the other, it enjoys proximity to Baia Flaminia beach.

How to get to Pesaro port?

If you are coming by car from the north of Italy, you will need to take the A14 highway and take the Pesaro/Urbino exit. Then continue to the city center and follow the signs for Pesaro Porto. Coming from the south, however, the highway exit for Pesaro is Fano.

The port of Pesaro is only 2 km from Piazza del Popolo, in the city center, so you can reach it either on foot or by several city buses (such as bus line 40).

Travelers at Pesaro port waiting for the ferry to Croatia

Vacation in Pesaro

Known for being one of the most lively and diverse centers in the Marche region, the town of Pesaro is definitely worth a visit. If you've decided to embark from here to the Croatian ports of Lošinj and Novalja, you should take the opportunity to spend at least 1-2 days exploring Pesaro and its surroundings.

From the sea to the hills, encompassing art, music and culture, Pesaro will satisfy every type of traveler. Indeed, the hometown of the great Italian composer Gioachino Rossini holds many surprises and is ideal for a trip with family or friends.

How to get to Pesaro

You can get to Pesaro by car, train, plane, and of course, by ferry. 

Pesaro is easily reached by car from both northern and southern Italy using the A14 highway. If you prefer to take the train, you should know that Pesaro is connected to major Italian cities, and the train station is also very close to main tourist attractions. 

There are also buses that arrive in the city, usually at the terminus in Piazza Stefanini (Palasport area).

For those coming from Croatia, however, ferries to Pesaro are the easiest and most enjoyable way to reach Italy.

As for planes, the nearest airport to Pesaro is the Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini (about 40 km away).

The Sfera Grande di A. Pomodoro and the stunning colors of Pesaro's sunset

What to do in Pesaro

Pesaro is a city that offers a multitude of activities for any type of traveler. This destination in the Marche region encompasses beautiful beaches, nature and culture.

Start with a visit to the historic center, rich in monuments and sights; stroll along the Nazario Sauro promenade and indulge in a swim among the beaches in the north and south.

If you love nature, you can’t miss an excursion to Monte San Bartolo, located just outside Pesaro. Here, you can enjoy incredible views of the sea and also have the opportunity to go trekking or mountain biking.

Beaches in Pesaro

Pesaro boasts about 7 km of coastline consisting of beautiful bays and beaches, almost all of which have been awarded the Blue Flag. These are mostly equipped, but it is also possible to find free and wilder beaches.

Here are 5 beaches in and around Pesaro not to be missed:

• Levante: located east of the old town, this fine sand and pebble beach is among the most popular in the city. About 1.5 km long, it is also famous for the wide range of services available and for being a great place to practice water sports. You can reach it on foot from the historic center of Pesaro or by bus.
• Ponente: located on the west side of Pesaro's historic center, it stretches for about 1 km and offers golden sand and crystal clear waters. Here you will find many bathing establishments and also soccer fields and beach volleyball. The beach is especially suitable for families and is reached on foot.
• Baia Flaminia: considered among the most beautiful in the city, it is located north of the historic center, near the marina. This expanse of golden sand is enclosed in a beautiful bay with panoramic views of the Adriatic coast. The beach is equipped with disabled-accessible bathing establishments, bars, restaurants, and even surf schools.
• Sottomonte: large and unequipped, this beach is located south of Pesaro, 7 km from the center. Its waters are always clean (especially early in the morning) and its shallow waters are perfect for the little ones. You can reach the area by car and then continue on foot via pedestrian underpasses, or by using the bike path.
• Fiorenzuola di Fiocara: picturesque and wild, this paradisiacal spot is located within the Parco Naturale Monte San Bartolo, north of Pesaro. The beach consists of gravel and pebbles, is not equipped and is reached after a walking path. From the village of Fiorenzuola, just follow the signs to the beach and reach a gate from which a 1-km paved road begins.

The wild Fiorenzuola di Fiocara, a paradise in the Natural Park of Monte San Bartolo

Sightseeing in Pesaro

Pesaro is a city full of culture and this can be felt right away as you stroll through the streets of the center, amidst museums, historic buildings, works of art, and theaters.

Here are some must-see attractions in Pesaro:

• Porta Rimini, a striking entrance to the city
• The city's waterfront, perfect for relaxing strolls
• Sfera Grande di Pomodoro (Big Sphere A. Pomodoro), resting on the water with the sea behind it
• Piazza del Popolo (People’s Square), featuring the beautiful Ducal Palace and the ancient monumental fountain in the center
• The Pesaro Cathedral, a Roman Catholic cathedral dating from the 5th century
• The recently renovated Oliverian Archaeological Museum
• The National Rossini Museum, located in the Palazzo Montani Antaldi
• The Teatro Rossini, an opera house linked to the famous Italian composer
• The Civic Museum of Palazzo Mosca and the famous wall of books
• Villino Ruggeri, a beautiful Art Nouveau building whose exterior can only be admired
• The archaeological area of Via dell'Abbondanza, with the remains of a luxurious mansion from the imperial age
• The Fortress Castle of Costance of the Sforzas (Rocca Costanza), an important fortress built in the 15th century by the Sforza family 
• The Officine Benelli Museum, perfect for motorcycle enthusiasts

Places to visit around Pesaro

If you decide to stay in Pesaro for a few more days, we recommend exploring the surrounding areas to discover parks, ancient villages and archaeological sites of incredible beauty.

For example, a 15-minute drive from the center of Pesaro takes you to the Natural Park of Monte San Bartolo, a protected area between the hills and the sea. In the village of Novilara (7 km from Pesaro), you can admire one of the largest Picene necropolises in the Italian Peninsula.

Other must-see places near Pesaro include the medieval village of Gradara (known for the love story of Paolo Malatesta and Francesca da Rimini), Urbino (a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important centers of the Italian Renaissance), and Fano (which hosts one of the oldest and most beautiful carnivals in Italy).

Useful info: one of the top nightlife destinations in Italy, Rimini, is also located 42 km from Pesaro!

The beautiful village of Gradara, near Pesaro

Nightlife in Pesaro

In addition to its cultural side, Pesaro is also perfect for night owls. The historic center is the gathering point during the colder months, while in the summer, the entertainment is concentrated in the seaside area. 

The evening often starts with an aperitivo in the bars along the seafront and then continues at the disco. Many beach resorts, in fact, transform into dance floors. Just 15 km from Pesaro is also Baia Imperiale, a club immersed in the Monte San Bartolo Park and one of the most famous in Italy.

For a more chill evening, you can opt between various concerts, theater performances or cultural events. Pesaro also hosts major international events, such as the Rossini Opera Festival, which is celebrated in August.

Food in Pesaro

Pesaro is famous for its culinary tradition characterized by seafood dishes as well as a wide variety of meat and vegetable recipes. The Marche region is also renowned for its Verdicchio wine.

Here are some delicacies we recommend you try in Pesaro: 

• pizza Rossini (topped with slices of hard-boiled eggs and mayonnaise)
• passatelli (type of pasta from Pesaro and Urbino) with fish sauce
• prosciutto di Carpegna
• pasticciata alla pesarese (veal stew with herbs and tomato)
• filet Rossini
• cappelletti alla pesarese (pasta made with egg and stuffed with pork)
• the Marche white truffle
• Fossa cheese

Tips

Here are 3 tips to make your trip to Pesaro even more special:

• In September, Pesaro celebrates the San Nicola's Fair, a popular event to greet the summer with an array of stalls and gastronomic specialties.
• An interesting activity to do with children in Pesaro could be a visit to the Museo del Balì (an interactive science center with a digital planetarium and an astronomical observatory).
• Pesaro is full of cultural attractions, so we recommend that you purchase the Museum Pass, which combines the most popular ones.

The famous wall of books, perfect for reading enthusiasts

Useful information about Pesaro

Before taking the ferry to Croatia, you should spend a few hours exploring Pesaro and its historic center. The city's main attractions are concentrated right here, so it will be easy to discover them on foot. 

If you have decided to stay a few days in Pesaro, you’ll find accommodation options for every budget, both in the city center and near the sea. The port area is also lively, with a wide choice of hotels, sea-view B&Bs, bars, and restaurants.

Baia Flaminia could be the ideal choice for those who want to stay close to the beach and in a quieter area. Both north and south of Pesaro, you will also find various campsites to fully enjoy nature.

Although Pesaro is a popular seaside resort, it is more affordable than nearby Rimini or Riccione. In general, the city promotes sustainable rather than mass tourism.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Pesaro

Here are some numbers that could prove useful during your stay in Pesaro:

• Municipality of Pesaro: +3907213871
• IAT Pesaro (tourist information center): +39072169341
• Harbor master's office: +390721177831
• Carabinieri: +3907214341
• San Salvatore Hospital: +3907213611
• Medical Guard: +39072122405
• Adriabus: +390721370734
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Pesaro

Pesaro is small enough to be explored on foot. In fact, the main tourist attractions and places of interest are concentrated in the city center. 

If you enjoy cycling, you’ll be pleased to know that Pesaro is home to the famous Bicipolitana, a network of 92 km of cycle paths covering the city and the coast. Alternatively, Adriabus city buses connect the center to different parts of the city and also operate in the province.

For those arriving in Pesaro by car, it’s important to keep in mind that the city center has many one-way streets and limited traffic zones (ZTL), so it may be challenging to find parking. However, there are free parking lots, such as the one in San Decenzio or via dell’Acquedotto.

A section of the Pesaro Bicipolitana in the midst of nature

Book your ferry tickets to/from Pesaro online

At the moment, it is not possible to book tickets to/from Pesaro on Ferryhopper, but we are working to add more and more routes in the future. Nevertheless, you can still book Italy - Croatia ferry tickets by traveling from Trieste or Venice. Check out all available routes on our Map of Ferries and start planning your adventure!